4-H HORSE TEEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Information and Application

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1 4-H HORSE TEEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Information and Application

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission and Purpose... 2 Eligibility... 3 Advisor Support Activities.. 3 Financial Support 4 Expectations of Ambassadors Dress Code. 7 Selection Process.. 8 Application... 9 Additional Forms. 13 MISSION The Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador Program affords 4-H teen members the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in citizenship, leadership and public speaking as they travel around Virginia serving as advocates and spokespersons for the Virginia 4-H Horse Program at a variety of events and outreach activities. The function of this group is to help build the 4-H horse program in Virginia and to help its members increase their knowledge of the sport. This is a service organization for which it is an honor to be chosen and is only as strong as its participants. PURPOSE, GOALS, OBJECTIVES This ambassador program will provide a platform for 4-H teens to: 1. represent and give more visibility to 4-H and specifically the 4-H Horse program for public relations purposes at special events. Such events may be at state 4-H contests, public events, supporter functions, peer groups, 4-H groups, community service groups, schools and media contacts. 2. further develop their skills in leadership, public presentation, citizenship, community service, public relations and team building. 3. assist 4-H Extension agents with county-level programs, horse club promotion and/or horse club development as available. 4. develop relationships with past, present and future program donors, supporters and adult volunteers. 5. continue participation, achievement and self-development within their 4-H club, county, district, state, regional and national levels as much as possible. 2 P age

3 6. stay actively connected with the 4-H Horse program as they enter their collegiate years and further into adulthood. ELIGIBILITY 1. Must be 14 years old by September 30, 2016, (turning 15 in the new 4-H year) and no older than 19 by December 31, Must have at least one full year (12 months) of experience as a 4-H member. 3. Must be currently enrolled in 4-H and currently participating in the 4-H Horse program. 4. Must be willing and able to take limited time off from school (3 5 days per school year) and commit to participating at designated outreach events. 5. Must be willing to travel at own expense (food, gas, hotel, enrollment fees, etc) for a one year term from September 25, 2017 September 25, Note: We are working on grant funding and will cover costs as Advisors deem fair and equitable if funding becomes available. 6. May serve up to two years. Second year applicants may re-apply using the short form. ADVISOR SUPPORT State Supervisors Lead Advisor - Equine Ext. Program Associate, Youth - Sandy Arnold - horse4h@vt.edu Equine Ext. Program Associate, Youth - Leona Ransdell - leonar@vt.edu Equine Ext. Program Specialist, Youth - Celeste Crisman - ccrisman@vt.edu District Ambassador Advisors Northern District Krystal Williams, Fairfax Co. 4-H Ext. agent Krystal.Williams@fairfaxcounty.gov Southwest District - Sam Leech, Tazewell Co. 4-H Ext. agent spleech@vt.edu Central District - Hannah Robbins, Dinwiddie Co. 4-H Ext. agent hrobbins@vt.edu Southeast District Krista Gustafson, Gloucester Co. 4-H Ext. agent kgustaf@vt.edu Adult Volunteer Representatives (As selected by the District Advisors for their area) Youth Mentor Advisors Libby Arnold (Northern District) libbyarnold23@gmail.com Mattie Ruth Stanley (Southwest District) - mrs7je@uvawise.edu ACTIVITIES Kick-off Meeting via WebEx (online) (required) Tentatively Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 6:30-8:30pm Meetings and Trainings (2 required): WebEx (online) or in-person meetings Annual 4-H Symposium (in-person) 2017: November 3-5, Roanoke, VA 1st or 2nd weekend following Jan. 1 (TBD) (WebEx) 3 P age

4 District-level meeting with District Advisor, date TBD, tentatively spring, as set by your Advisor. (in-person) (may be combined with a District level outreach event) State 4-H Horse Program Events - (2 out of 3 required): EquiSmartz State 4-H Championship Horse & Pony Show State Fair 4-H Horse Show Acceptable Outreach Activities (3 total required) Unit / Out of Unit 4-H event (awards emcee, guest speaker, program trainer) District 4-H Shows (organizing, check-in, announcing, awards) District 4-H Contests (organizing, check-in, announcing, awards, judge if Eastern National competitor) 4-H Horse Clubs (promote contests, educate/train, guest speaker, assist leaders) Promote, Organize and Support an Intro to EquiSmartz event County Fairs (4-H Horse Program promo booth, announcer at event/contest, PR broadcast) State Fair (4-H Horse Program promotional booth) School or Parks & Recreation (career days, special event promo booth, greeter) Equine Organizations (4-H promo or educational table for youth) Equine Expos (4-H promo booth or educational table, PR announcements) Meet directly with your Legislator, discuss the 4-H Horse Program and get photo (at home office or at the State Capitol, individually or with an organized small group) Serve at the Legislative Trail Ride (upon Advisor invitation) Interact in person directly with the Virginia Horse Council members Social Media and Individual Contacts The type of social media posts encouraged would be that of an educational nature, drawing attention to the 4-H horse program. For example, post a fact on the horse program Facebook page with a fact such as Did you know a Grulla is a Black Dun (interesting facts), include a photo of such a color. This could also be a lead into news of EquiSmartz or other 4-H horse programs. Individual Contacts are those which promote the 4-H program through conversations to non-4-h members in an informal setting (not an outreach event), sharing your story on a personal level and providing contact information for further investigation of the program. FINANCIAL SUPPORT With the implementation of this program in 2017, initial funding has not been established, however with the help of program supporters and ambassador promotion of the program, some funding may come available. Funding planning discussions will be forthcoming at ambassador meetings. Personal ambassador expenses for this coming year of office will include travel, hotel, food, and personal ambassador attire. Ambassadors will be expected to cover their own costs in this program. A priority will be 4 P age

5 given to ambassador reimbursements if funding is acquired within their term for travel expenses. It is recommended that ambassadors additionally seek out financial support from their County 4-H Leader Advisory Association or the Extension Leadership Council with the help of their Extension agent. EXPECTATIONS OF AMBASSADORS BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT Represent the needs and interests of Virginia 4-H youth - ambassadors must maintain a high standard of personal conduct and should act as positive role models for other 4-H members. Positively represent and promote 4-H at the local, district, and state levels. Serve as leaders and demonstrate the best that 4-H has to offer through your words, actions, personal appearance and adherence to the Code of Conduct. Be prepared to develop a collaborative relationship with youth and adults. Together, we will work toward establishing youth-adult partnerships. Be prepared to laugh, to share ideas, to discuss your positions and perspectives, to give and receive constructive criticism, to develop friendships, and to make a difference in the lives of others. You are the voice of 4-H and for 4-H ers across Virginia. In this role you may be called upon to speak on behalf of 4-H before a variety of audiences including local, district, state and out-of-state events. Preparing an outline for your speech or presentation is crucial to your success. Seek advice from your District Advisor to review the content of your presentation or speech. Keep your District Advisor informed of your outreach activities before they happen. Work closely with your advisor to assist you in preparing presentations, media contacts and letters. Always put your best foot forward. The manner in which you dress, talk and act are very important when you are serving as an Ambassador. At shows and events, you might be on your feet for up to nine hours a day with a strenuous schedule. Make sure you are well rested before the event and eat properly so that you don t get tired and irritable. Although we all get tired at these events, always do your best to be cheerful and ready to respond positively to everyone. You are expected to be on time, so plan to be early to all events. Respond promptly to phone and inquiries. It is very important that you send thank you notes immediately following an event. For the duration of an event or meeting, your advisors will be your guardians. You will respect these adults and honor the boundaries set. Curfews will be set and enforced. 5 P age

6 You will not be allowed to drive other youth in your vehicle while the event is in session. If your parents want to travel to any of the events in which you are participating, they will be responsible for their own expenses and making their own travel arrangements and reservations. Ambassadors serve at the will and pleasure of the 4-H Horse Program and can be removed for misconduct, not meeting requirements, or not following the rules. ATTENDANCE Attendance is required at the induction ceremony conducted during State 4-H Championship 4-H Horse & Pony Show on Saturday evening. All successful candidates are required to participate in a group photo following the ceremony. Must attend the Kick-off meeting and two additional ambassador meetings during your one-year term. In other words, you must commit yourself to this leadership and service opportunity. Ambassadors will have a duty to promote and be involved in all facets of the Virginia 4-H horse program, particularly at the state level events. Therefore, ambassadors, must attend two of three state events for the majority of the event time as needed. (EquiSmartz, State 4-H Championship Show, State 4-H Fair Horse Show). At minimum, participate in three outreach activities by conclusion of term. Outreach is defined as the efforts you personally make to inform and/or recruit youth and adults to Virginia 4-H and the horse program. Examples are listed in the above Acceptable Outreach Activities. Ambassadors are responsible for their own travel to and from meetings and outreach events. Any ambassador who cannot attend a meeting is responsible for notifying the State 4-H Office Extension Lead Advisor - Sandy Arnold horse4h@vt.edu or by phone and their District Advisor. Any ambassador who misses the required meetings or events will be removed from the roster and may not apply for this position in following years, without written permission from the Lead Advisor and their District Advisor. Being an ambassador is a great honor. With this honor comes accountability, honesty and personal responsibility, demonstrating the best that 4-H has to offer. As 4-Hers we strive to represent the six pillars of Character Counts - Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. 6 P age

7 TERM OF OFFICE One full year beginning and ending on September 25. OBLIGATIONS Record each meeting, outreach event, social media post and contacts here. Meetings / Trainings are obligatory; however, two attendances are required. Two out of three State 4-H Horse program events are required. Three outreach events are required. Social media posts and individual contacts are encouraged. COMMUNICATION RSVP s are required for every meeting scheduled and it is expected that you will respond quickly without follow-up by a reminder. You must also communicate directly with your District Advisor on the activities and outreaches you plan to attend. Communicate your needs for events (i.e., brochures, business cards, promotional materials) well in advance of the event. Extension agents are very busy, going in many directions and may not always be working in their office. They need lead time to plan for copies and materials for you. DRESS CODE All ambassadors are expected to purchase their own attire which agrees with the specified Ambassador uniform. The 4-H program will provide a VA 4-H pin, a green tie for the gentlemen, and a matching green scarf for the ladies. Shirt orders will be placed at the ambassador s expense of $20, payable at time of induction. Uniform dress is required at all outreach events, but not required at ambassador meetings / trainings. Informal attire is expected at shows, all-day events and contests, club meetings, etc. Formal attire is expected when visiting with legislators, at awards banquets, being a special guest speaker, special presentations, etc. Informal events (state events, horse shows, contests, etc.): VT maroon, long-sleeved collared shirt (ordered by the advisors) Khaki pants, boots or brown shoes Brown belt VA 4-H pin (provided by 4-H Horse program) and name tag Formal events (awards banquets, guest speaking, meeting legislators, etc.): White shirt or blouse Blue blazer Solid green tie for men, scarf for ladies (provided by 4-H Horse program) Men: khaki or blue pants, belt, polished shoes or boots Ladies: (khaki or blue) pants with polished boots or skirt with dress shoes VA 4-H pin (provided by 4-H Horse program) and name tag 7 P age

8 Ambassadors are expected to dress in a manner befitting young men and women. Modesty, neatness, well-groomed and practicality will be the guiding principles. Cleanliness and good hygiene are a must. Ambassadors are to have no visible tattoos and no body piercing except for females which are limited to two earrings. For formal events, shirts and blazers should be cleaned and pressed and ready to wear at appropriate occasions. Jewelry must be kept to a minimum. When uniform attire is not required, ambassadors are not to wear torn (intentional or otherwise) or sloppy clothing. Tank tops, muscle shirts, bare midriffs, low necklines, sundresses, and tight or otherwise revealing clothing will not be allowed. This applies to all spandex fashions. T-shirts with negative, outlandish, disrespectful messages or pictures will not be allowed. Ambassadors may wear shorts and skirts of modest style and length. Shorts, skorts and skirts may be no shorter than 3 above the knee. Jeans and casual dress slacks are preferred. Men s shirt tails should be tucked in. Footwear clean, neat, shined and appropriate. No flip flops. When in the presence of horses, you must wear boots. When serving as an ambassador, you need to remember that you are representing the 4-H Horse Program youth to the public and it's important to make the best impression possible. SELECTION PROCESS 1. Complete the Ambassador Application with all required signatures and additional forms, mailed on or before the postmark deadline. 2. The selection will include evaluation of applications and personal interviews by a panel of ambassador advisors conducted at the State 4-H Championship Horse and Pony Show, beginning at 3pm Thursday afternoon by appointments in the mezzanine. You will be contacted by no later than August 31, 2017 for your interview appointment time. 3. During the interview, participants will have opportunities to demonstrate individual character, personal appearance, poise, manners, demeanor and speaking skills. 4. Youth will also be evaluated on: General equine knowledge and the Virginia 4-H Horse program Overall 4-H participation, leadership, public speaking skills, club involvement & community service Personal 4-H Horse Program participation Leadership & community involvement outside of 4-H 5. A limited number of teens, no more than 12, from across the state will be selected, ideally with three from each District. 6. Applicants must be willing and able to take limited time off from school (three to five days per school year) if selected. 7. Ambassadors choosing to serve a second consecutive year, may re-apply with the short form. 8 P age

9 Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador Program Application (pages 9-13) Deadline: Postmark or by midnight, July 31, Instructions: Complete this application and Save As Ambassador_YourLastName.PDF include additional documents: signed agreement form, Media Release form, Code of Conduct form and Equine Waiver form and (preferred) all to Sandy Arnold at or mail to: Sandy Arnold, Youth Equine Extension Associate VT MARE Center, 5527 Sullivans Mill Road Middleburg, VA Applicants must attend the State 4-H Championship Horse & Pony Show on Thursday, September 14, 2017 for selection interviews at scheduled times between 3-7pm in the Mezzanine at Waldron Arena. Announcement of ambassador inductees will be on Saturday night, 7:30pm, following Freestyle Reining and before the Drill Team Showcase. Questions? Contact Sandy Arnold by or by phone: Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone Number: (Home) (Cell) Unit (County or City): 4-H Club: Date of Birth: Age as of September 30, 2016: Year in School or College: School or College attending: Month & Year of High School Graduation: Years in 4-H: Shirt Size: (Oxford style button up shirt) 9 P age

10 Which state level event(s) have you participated? EquiSmartz State 4-H Championship Horse & Pony Show State Fair 4-H Horse Show Have you participated at Southern Regionals? If yes, please give details: Have you participated at Eastern National Roundup? If yes, please give details: Questionnaire The following is a list of questions about your 4-H horse project activities, other 4-H activities, and community and school involvement. Fill out to the best of your ability. You might not have activities to list under some questions. Be sure to include your experiences in citizenship, leadership, and public speaking. Examples of information should include but are not limited to: 4-H horse program experience (camps, competitions, training), school activities (clubs, sports), church activities, civic activities, community service, etc. Participation in other competitive events and activities in the 4-H Program: Participation in competitive non 4-H horse program equine events: (Example: breed shows, recognized shows, schooling shows) Offices, committee positions, or leadership roles held in 4-H Clubs: Offices, committee positions, or leadership roles held in non-4-h Clubs/Groups: 10 P age

11 Have you attended an equine expo event? If yes, name which one(s) and give your impressions: Have you helped with fundraising for your club or another an organization? If yes, please explain how: Have you recruited new members into the 4-H horse program? If yes, please explain: Have you written a news article about the 4-H horse program or promoted it in some fashion through media? If yes, explain: List any honors or awards and scholarships you have received (4-H and other): Discussion Please answer the following questions. You may add additional pages if necessary, but please keep your answers brief. What has 4-H taught me? 11 P age

12 How has 4-H helped me? How I would like to promote the Virginia 4-H Horse Program: 12 P age

13 4-H Horse Program Teen Ambassador Agreement Form I have read and reviewed the Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador Program Information and Application Packet and I am willing to make the Ambassador Program a priority and devote the time required, communicate with my advisors, and fulfill the obligations set forth. I will be active in my club and county 4-H program as well as maintain a good standing in school during my service as a Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador. Further, I am willing to conduct myself in the highest standards expected of a Teen Ambassador and will adhere to the Code of Conduct, the values set forth in Character Counts and the ambassador expectations listed in this packet. Applicant s Signature Date We (I) understand that our (my) son/daughter wishes to serve as a Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador. We (I) will support him/her in fulfilling the responsibilities should he/she be selected. We (I) understand that this is a time and financial commitment. There will training weekends and costs of meals and lodging. Financial costs will be kept as low as possible. The horse program will offset costs whenever possible. Parent/Guardian Signature Date We certify that the above named 4-H er is enrolled, active, and in good standing in our 4-H horse club and county 4-H program. We support his/her application for the position of Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador. 4-H Club Leader Signature Extension Agent Signature Date Date Please also attach with application: Media Release ( Code of Conduct ( Equine Waiver ( 13 P age

14 Virginia 4-H Horse Teen Ambassador Program Second Year Short Form Application (deadline: July 31, 2018) Instructions: Complete this application and Save As Ambassador_YourLastName.PDF include additional documents: signed agreement form, Media Release form, Code of Conduct form and Equine Waiver form and (preferred) all to Sandy Arnold at or mail to: Sandy Arnold, Youth Equine Extension Associate VT MARE Center, 5527 Sullivans Mill Road Middleburg, VA Applicants must attend the State 4-H Championship Horse & Pony Show on Thursday, September 13, 2018 for selection interviews. Questions? Contact Sandy Arnold by or by phone: Name: Address: Phone (cell): Unit (County or City): 4-H Club: Year in School or College: Date of birth: School or College attending: Month & Year of High School Graduation: Years in 4-H: Shirt Size: (Oxford style button up shirt) List 4-H and non-4-h Leadership positions, Activities and Awards Achieved in past year: 14 P age